In the round-up: Mercedes reserve driver Mick Schumacher is confident he will have an opportunity to race in Formula 1 in the future.
In brief
Schumacher confident of return to F1 grid after “interest” in off-season
Schumacher lost his drive with Haas after two seasons with the team in favour of Nico Hulkenberg, and hoined Mercedes as reserve driver. However, he says he has already received “interest” about his future from other teams.
“There’s obviously no guarantee, but I’m in a comfortable position right now where I feel like I can learn, I can extract the maximum out of this year – even though I’m not driving,” Schumacher told media including RaceFans at the team’s launch this week.
“I’m sure that with the results I’ve shown in junior categories, but also in F1, I’m sure that there will be opportunities. Over the winter, a few people have already mentioned that there’s interest. So in one sense, I’m not too worried.”
Maini quickest on final day of F2 test
Campos driver Kush Maini set the fastest time on the third and final day of the pre-season F2 test in Bahrain, ahead of veteran Roy Nissany.
Maini’s best time of a 1’42.623 was almost three tenths faster than Nissany’s, but not quick enough to beat the overall fastest time of the test set by Richard Verschoor at the end of the second day.
The Formula 2 championship begins during the weekend of the Bahrain Grand Prix on Saturday March 4th.
IndyCar Detroit GP to offer free viewing areas
The first of IndyCar’s new-look Detroit Grand Prix will have free viewing areas around half of the circuit, organisers say.
The race, which is moving from Bell Isle to a new street circuit in downtown Detroit from this year, will allow fans to watch from standing areas trackside free of charge.
“Our mission statement is to give back to the Detroit community in different ways,” said Detroit Grand Prix president Michael Montri. “We are excited to welcome the entire community to our re-imagined and inclusive event.”
The Detroit Grand Prix will be held on Sunday 4th June, the weekend following the Indianapolis 500.
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Links
Motor racing links of interest:
From Melbourne to the MTC: Oscar outlines his intentions ahead of rookie year (McLaren)
“I think once the helmet goes on, they’ll just become another driver on the grid that I am trying to beat, but, at least before the season starts, that is probably the most unique element of the mental side of things that I need to get used to.”
MoneyGram Haas F1 Team and Chipotle Mexican Grill announce new partnership (Haas)
“The Chipotle Mexican Grill logo will feature on both the nose and side of the VF-23, racesuits of MoneyGram Haas F1 Team drivers Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg and team apparel.”
F1 in Schools World Finals to be staged alongside Singapore Grand Prix in 2023 (F1)
“Singapore has been announced as the host venue for this year’s F1 in Schools World Finals, with the event to be held from September 8-14 and run alongside the city-state’s popular Grand Prix. F1 in Schools involves students forming teams to design and manufacture miniature F1 cars, and then racing them for glory along a 20-metre track, with 2023 set to mark the 18th running of a World Finals.”
Tony Kanaan Played A Key Role In Jimmie Johnson’s Two-Year IndyCar Career (Forbes)
“I love being around him. He and his family are so much fun. He is so intense in a good way emotionally. Where he is in life, these moments mean so much. I share that and recognize that. We’ve had a lot of time talking about how special these opportunities are at our age and the quality of rides that we are both able to have experiences with.”
“‘Breakneck’ chronicles the story of a racer, who — despite growing up as a poor orphan — climbs the Formula E ranks only to have her first ePrix race end terribly, and in her removal from the sport. To make ends meet, she becomes a getaway driver for a gang in Miami, still reminiscing of her days as a Formula E driver.”
Alonso and Stroll debut the AMR23 at Silverstone (Aston Martin via YouTube)
“Our 2023 F1 challenger made its debut today at Silverstone, with Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll each getting solid runs in the AMR23 at the team’s official filming day.”
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